Openable architectural fitting with alarm

ABSTRACT

An openable architectural structure or fitting, such as a window or door assembly, having a stationary framework of a non-magnetic material with an aperture and a movable member adapted to close the aperture at one position thereof and to open the same at another position thereof. An approach detecting means, such as a reed type switch means, a limit switch means, an impedance bridge means, etc., is concealed within the stationary framework, so as to actuate a suitably mounted alarm means when the movable member is moved to the other position without authorization.

A United States Patent [191 Takahashi [4 1 Jan. 9, 1973 1 OPENABLEARCHITECTURAL [56] References Cited FITTING WITH P UNITED STATES PATENTS[75] Inventor: Toshiro Takahashi, Shizuoka, Japan 3,410,245 11/1969Kashden et al 335/205 [73] Assignee: Riken Right Metal Industries Co.,700,812 5/1902 Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan 2,624,792 1/1953 3,161,742 12/1964[221 Filed 1970 2,877,361 3 1959 Chase .340 274 [21] Appl. No.: 94,472

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.738,679, June 20,

1968, abandoned.

Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell Assistant ExaminerGlen R. Swann, 111Attorney-Waters, Roditi, Schwartz & Nissen [57] ABSTRACT An openablearchitectural structure or fitting, such as a window or door assembly,having a stationary framework of a non-magnetic material with anaperture and a movable member adapted to close the aperture at oneposition thereof and to open the same at another position thereof. Anapproach detecting means, such as a reed type switch means, a limitswitch means, an impedance bridge means, etc., is concealed within thestationary framework, so as to actuate a suitably mounted alarm meanswhen the movable member is moved to the other position withoutauthorization.

3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures [30] Foreign Application Priority Data June22, 1967 Japan ..42/53025 July 14, 1967 Japan ..42/44l79 July 14, 1967Japan ..42/60467 July 14, 1967 Japan ..42/60468 Aug. 4, 1967 Japan..42/6678O Aug. 4, 1967 Japan ..42/66781 Aug. 31, 1967 Japan ..42/74265Nov. 15, 1967 Japan ..42/95645 [52] U.S. Cl. ..340/274, ZOO/61.93,335/205, 340/276 [51] Int. Cl. ..G08b 13/08 [58] Field of Search..340/274, 276; ZOO/61.93, 61.62;

PATENTEDJAK 9 ma SHEET 2 BF 3 Fae-s OPENABLE ARCHITECTURAL FITTING WITHALARM This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.738,679, filed June 20, 1968 and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to an openable architectural fitting or assembly with alarm, andmore particularly to a window or a door assembly with concealed electricalarm means mounted thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is toprovide an extruded non-ferrous or non-magnetic fitting for a buildingopening, such as a window sash assembly or a door assembly, having anelectric alarm device concealed therein, which alarm means includes amagnetically actuable reed type switch means, a magnet means movablerelative to the switch means, and an alarm means actuable in response tounauthorized opening of the door or window.

Known burglar alarm systems have the shortcoming that the components ofthe systems are visible from the outside, and they are easilysusceptible to damage by burglars. Most architectural fittings formodern buildings are manufactured by extruding non-magnetic materials,such as aluminum and synthetic resins, and the constituent members ofthe fittings usually have a complicated sectional configuration forachieving a high mechanical strength while minimizing the amount ofmaterial used therefor. The present invention seeks to take advantage ofsuch complicated configuration of the extruded members of thearchitectural fittings for concealably mounting alarm means within thefitting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an openablearchitectural fitting or assembly consisting of a framework made ofnon-magnetic material having an approach detecting means invisiblymounted in the non-magnetic framework, and an alarm buzzer means,wherein the approach-detecting means includes a magnetically operablereed switch and a magnet means operably associated with the reed switch.The reed switch is normally held open without being influenced by themagnetic field of the magnet means, but the reed switch is closed whenit is in a magnetic field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ble member thereof;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a window assembly having a pair of reedtype switches mounted on the head member of a stationary framework;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an extruded heading structureused in the framework of the present invention; and.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is an important feature of the present inventionthat the reed switch is normally held open and is closed uponapplication of a magnetic field thereto. When a burglar, who is aware ofthe presence of an alarm system of magnetic actuation type, tries tointrude the building equipped with such alarm system, he may apply anextra magnetic field to a reed type switch or the like by using a magnetfrom the outside of the building with an intention of disabling theswitch by the extra magnetic field. With the assembly according to thepresent invention, the application of the magnetic field results in anactuation of the alarm circuit, so that it is impossible for a burglarto disable the alarm from the outside of the building by the aforesaidmethod of using a magnet from the outside of the building.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of elongated magnets 8 and 9 aresecured to the top rails of sliding window members 18, in such a mannerthat when the window assembly W is closed with meeting stiles 2, 3 ofthe sliding window members l8, l8 abutting with each other, thepermanent magnets are moved away from the reed type switch6, so as tomaintain it open. As soon as either of the sliding window members 18 ismoved away from the closed position, at least apart of the elongatedpermanent magnet 8 or 9 is broughtinto proximity with the reed typeswitch 6, so as to close the latter. In this manner, a buzzer assembly13 connected to the reed type switch can be energized to give an alarmsound indicating the unauthorized opening of the FIG. 6 is a partialsectional view of the heading structure of FIG. 5, as mounted on abuilding.

window assembly W. In practice, it is preferable to provide a terminalblock 7 on the head member 1 to facilitate the electrical connectionbetween the reed type switch 6 and the buzzer assembly 13.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, only one reed type switch 6 is used, but itis also possible to use a pair of reed type switches, in order toreplace the elongated permanent magnets 8 and 9 with short permanentmagnets mounted on the head member, as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, apair of reed type switches 6 are secured to the head member 1 of astationary framework, so as to be symmetrical with respect to thelongitudinal middle point thereof. Short permanent magnets 8 and 9 aresecured to sliding window members 18, 18', in such a manner that, when awindow assembly W is closed with meeting stiles 2 and 3 of the slidingwindow members 18, 18' abutting with each other, the permanent magnets 8and 9 come to the closest position with respect to cooperating reed typeswitches 6, as shown by positions A in FIG. 4. Each reed type switch 6is connected to a buzzer assembly 13, which includes a relay 40. Withthe permanent magnets 8 and 9 secured to the sliding window members 18and 18' at positions A, each reed type switch 6 is to be closed as soonas the sliding window member 18 or 18 slides away from the closedposition to move the permanent magnet 8 or 9 away from the reed typeswitch 6, and the relay 40 is adapted to actuate a buzzer 17 bycompleting a circuit leading to a power source 15, so that anyunauthorized opening of the window assembly can be detected and an alarmsounded.

With the reed type switches 6 secured at the positions as illustrated inFIG. 4, the permanent magnets 8 and 9 can be mounted on the slidingwindow members 18 and 18' at positions near the top end of thenonmeeting stile 2, 3' thereof, respectively, as shown by positions B ofthe figure. Thus when the sliding window members 18, 18' are moved awayfrom the closed position, the permanent magnets move into proximity withcooperating reed type switch 6. In this case, the reed type switch 6 isclosed upon opening of the window aswhile each reed type switch 6 isconnected to a second actuating coil 40c. The actuating circuit of thebuzzer 17 traces from one terminal of the power source 15, through arelay contact 40a and the buzzer 17, back to the opposite terminal ofthe power source 15. The relay contact 40a can be closed only by thecoordinated effect of currents through the first and the second coils40b and 400. If the manual switch 16 is opened, the relay contact 40awill never be closed, and the buzzer will never be actuated.Accordingly, when it is not desired to actuate the buzzer, for instancebecause there is an, occupant staying indoors of the window assembly W,the manual switch 16 may be turned off to prevent the buzzer fromproducing an annoying alarm sound. I

t The architectural fitting or assembly, according to the presentinvention, has been described with respect to the foregoing embodimentsas referring to window assemblies, including sliding window members.However, the present invention is not limited to such window assembliesalone, but door assemblies, and the like may also be included in thearchitectural fittings of the present invention, by suitably mountingalarm devices thereon. It is an important feature of the presentinvention that the reed switch is normally held open and is closed uponapplication of a magnetic field thereto. When a burglar, who is aware ofthe presence of an alarm system of magnetic actuation type, tries tointrude the building equipped with such alarm system, he may apply anextra magnetic field to a reed type switch or the like by using a magnetfrom the outside of the building with an intention of disabling theswitch by the extra magnetic field. With the assembly according to thepresent invention, the application of the magnetic field results in anactuation of the alarm circuit, so that it is impossible for a burglarto disable the alarm from the outside of the building by the aforesaidmethod of usinga magnet from the outside of the building.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention,which is suitable for providing a factory assembled burglar alarm systemto be incorporated in window sashes and the like. In this embodiment, ahead member 1 comprises a body portion 1A and a guide portion 18, whichare formed by extruding a suitable non-magnetic material, such asaluminum or plastics. The body portion 1A has a generally l-l-shapedcross-section, which consists of an outer vertical side plate 102, aninner vertical side plate 104, a horizontal web connecting the two sideplates 102,104 so as to provide suitable spacing therebetween, and anexterior edge 106 for supporting a screen or other replaceable coveringmember. A linear ridge 111 extends along the inner surface of the outervertical side plate 102 at a close spacing with the web 105.

The guide portion 1B consists of an intermediate guide plate 107 whichextends substantially along the center line between the two verticalside plates 102, 104 so as to bisect the spacing therebetween, and agenerally U-shaped connecting portion having a horizontal plate 108integrally connected to the upper end of the intermediate guide plate107, an outer vertical side wall 109, and an inner vertical side wall110. The two spaces defined on the opposite sides of the intermediateguide plate 107 act to guide the movement of a pair of movable closingmembers (18 FIG. 1), respectively.

The outer vertical side wall 109 has a recess 112 '(FIG. 6), whichextends along the longitudinal direction of the head member 1, so as tofittingly engage the linear ridge 1 11 formed on the inner surface ofthe outer vertical side wall 102 of the body portion 1A.

The engagement between the linear ridge 111 and the recess 112 ensuresthe proper registration of the guide portion 18 relative to the bodyportion 1A, and such engagement also acts to bear a part of the verticalload applied to the guide portion 18. The upper end of the innervertical wall is outwardly bent at right angles to form an outwardlyextending lug 113. A plurality of screw holes 116 are bored through thelug 1 13 at suita ble intervals, and the web 105 of the body 1A, aretapped at the portions 114 corresponding to the holes 116. Thus, theguide portion 18 can be connected to the body portion 1A by means ofscrews 118 which penetrate through the holes 116 of the guide portion 18and threadedly engage the tapped portions 114 of the body portion 1A.The outwardly extending lug 113 also includes a plurality of notches l17 formed at suitable intervals, which notches 117 provide space forscrews 119 for securing the body portion 1A to a beam 121 of building,as shown in FIG. 6. The fastening screws 119 penetrate through thenotches 117 of the outwardly extending lug 113 and the holes of the web105, so' as to threadedly. engage the beam 121 of the building. In theillustrated embodiment, nails are also used to fasten the outer verticalside plate 102 to the beam 121 of the building. With this combinationofthe body portion 1A and the guide portion 1B, a concealed space isformed between the horizontal plate 108 of the'guide portion 18 and theweb 105 of-the body portion 1A, in which a switching element 130, e.g.,reed type switches 6, may be installed ina manner completely concealedfrom the outside.

In FIG. 5, lead wires 131 of the switching element may be-connected toan outgoing multi-conductor cable 134 by means of suitable connectors132- within the concealed space between the web 105 and the horizontalplate 108. The cable connected in this manner penetrates through a cableopening 134, which is entirely concealed from the outside. Thus, thepresence of both the switching element 130and the wiring 131 and 133 canbe completely concealed, and it is thereby prevented from being seenfrom the outside.

According to another feature of this embodiment, the switching element130 and its wiring 132, 133 may easily be inspected and repaired, ifnecessary, simply by removing the guide portion 18 and then removing thescrews 118. Suchremoval of the guide portion lB'does not affect themounting or require any dismounting of the body portion 1A of theheading 1 or any other parts of the frame assembly.

It is another feature of the present invention that a factory assembledburglar alarm type door or window frame member is provided, whichincludes an inexpensive extruded guide member having a switching elementwith lead wires invisibly mounted thereon. Thus, the cost and labornecessary for installing such burglar alarm type window or doorframework are greatly reduced.

While there has been shown what is considered to be the preferredembodiments of the invention, it will be obvious that modifications maybe made which come within the scope of the disclosure of thespecification.

What is claimed is:

1. An operable architectural assembly with an alarm for a buildingopening, said assembly comprising; a stationary framework including ahollow extruded peripheral member of non-magnetic material; a closingmember of non-magnetic material movably supported by the framework forshutting the building opening at a closed position thereof and forvarying the degree of opening thereof in an open'position; amagnetically actuable switch means concealed within said stationaryframework, said switch means having a pair of contact members which arenormally separated from each other but brought into electric contactwith each other when being placed in a magnetic field; a permanentmagnet concealed in the closing member; an alarm connected to a powersource; and wiring means concealed within said stationary framework forconnecting the alarm to the power source through said switch means; thepermanent magnet being disposed relative to said switch means in such amanner that when the closing member moves in the framework to open saidbuilding opening, the switch means closes to actuate the alarm.

2. An openable architectural assembly as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid closing member includes two sliding doors, each sliding door havinga concealed magnet, and said switch means includes a pair of reed typeswitches concealed in said framework and connected to said alarm meansin parallel with each other in such position that when at least one ofsaid sliding doors moves away from said closed position, the switchmeans closes to actuate the alarm.

3. An openable architectural assembly with an alarm for a buildingopening, said assembly comprising; an extruded stationary framework madeof non-magnetic material; a closing member of non-magnetic materialmovably supported by the framework for shutting the building opening ata closed position thereof and for varying the degree of opening thereofin an open position; said stationary framework including a head member,said head member comprising an extruded H- shaped body portion and anextruded guide portion removably connectable to the web of the H-shapedbody portion; a magnetically actuable switch means factory assembledwithin said guide portion in a concealed manner, said switch meanshaving a pair of contact members which are normally separated from eachother and magnetically actuable to be brought into electric contact witheach other; a permanent magnet concealed in the closing member; an alarmconnected to a Power source; and wiring means concealed within saidramework for connecting said alarm to the power source through saidswitch means; the permanent magnet being so positioned with respect tosaid switch means that when the closing member moves away from closedposition to open said building opening, the permanent magnet closes theswitch means so as to actuate the alarm,

1. An operable architectural assembly with an alarm for a buildingopening, said assembly comprising; a stationary framework including ahollow extruded peripheral member of nonmagnetic material; a closingmember of non-magnetic material movably supported by the framework forshutting the building opening at a closed position thereof and forvarying the degree of opening thereof in an open position; amagnetically actuable switch means concealed within said stationaryframework, said switch means having a pair of contact members which arenormally separated from each other but brought into electric contactwith each other when being placed in a magnetic field; a permanentmaGnet concealed in the closing member; an alarm connected to a powersource; and wiring means concealed within said stationary framework forconnecting the alarm to the power source through said switch means; thepermanent magnet being disposed relative to said switch means in such amanner that when the closing member moves in the framework to open saidbuilding opening, the switch means closes to actuate the alarm.
 2. Anopenable architectural assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidclosing member includes two sliding doors, each sliding door having aconcealed magnet, and said switch means includes a pair of reed typeswitches concealed in said framework and connected to said alarm meansin parallel with each other in such position that when at least one ofsaid sliding doors moves away from said closed position, the switchmeans closes to actuate the alarm.
 3. An openable architectural assemblywith an alarm for a building opening, said assembly comprising; anextruded stationary framework made of non-magnetic material; a closingmember of non-magnetic material movably supported by the framework forshutting the building opening at a closed position thereof and forvarying the degree of opening thereof in an open position; saidstationary framework including a head member, said head membercomprising an extruded H-shaped body portion and an extruded guideportion removably connectable to the web of the H-shaped body portion; amagnetically actuable switch means factory assembled within said guideportion in a concealed manner, said switch means having a pair ofcontact members which are normally separated from each other andmagnetically actuable to be brought into electric contact with eachother; a permanent magnet concealed in the closing member; an alarmconnected to a power source; and wiring means concealed within saidframework for connecting said alarm to the power source through saidswitch means; the permanent magnet being so positioned with respect tosaid switch means that when the closing member moves away from closedposition to open said building opening, the permanent magnet closes theswitch means so as to actuate the alarm.